“O Lord…Bring my soul out of trouble! And…cut off my enemies, and…destroy all theadversaries of my soul…” (Psalm 143:11-12). Adversaries are opponents, challengers, rivals, enemies, foes or antagonists.
What are soul-adversaries? Jealousy, prejudice, hatred, murder, cowardice, ungodly language, laziness, brutality, cheating, stealing, lying, slander, gossip, lusting for any kind of self-gratification that God says is bad (e.g., like alcoholic drinking, sex outside of marriage, power, money), and putting anything on this earth (e.g., sleeping, people, hobbies, sports, jobs) above God and His commands. All things like these have the mission of keeping our souls from living in the Land of Light and Life (Heaven). The weird thing is that we give in to them every day! What is wrong with us?
Most people put up with bullies, including whole towns and nations—until someone stands up against them, even if it means death. Behaving like Abel, Joseph, Daniel, Elijah or Jesus (who all obeyed God rather than humans) is a huge risk most of us won’t take.
Jesus wants to rescue us from our soul-adversaries. However, we have to have the guts to allow Him! This coming week, make a list of your own soul-foes. Throw them into God’s hands (1 Peter 5:7). Make serving Christ every day and the entire year your primary goal (Matthew 6:33).
